Meet Riley Alcock | Hair Stylist, Specializing in Color Corrections

We had the good fortune of connecting with Riley Alcock and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Riley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process was very simple: I wanted to do things the “right” way. I spent the first 10 years of my career working in “regular” salons. I loved the energy at the salons and the camaraderie with my work family. I loved helping my guests achieve their beauty goals and I especially loved their boost in confidence when they left my chair. What I didn’t love were some of the restrictions the salon owners placed on us (like prohibiting us from discussing prices up front) and not having control over my calendar. After having my son, my calendar became more important than ever and being in a salon environment no longer seemed right for me. However, like many stylists, I was as afraid to open my own business. I told myself it was a lot of work and it was too risky. I was afraid I would have to re-build my client base. I was afraid I would fail and not be able to support my son and that’s a scary place to be as a single mom.

That all changed when I met a young, thriving stylist who opened her salon at the height of the pandemic. She was absolutely killing it! Her vibe matched mine and she helped me believe I could do it, too. With the support of those who love me most, I opened All Riled Up Salon in June of 2021. I worked hard to balance what I wanted, what my guests wanted, and who I am, into a perfect space where my guests and I can thrive. Despite the long hours, the panic about childcare, and a last-second re-location, any doubts I had faded as my book quickly filled. My guests followed me 10+ miles to another zip code (in Atlanta traffic, even!) and their feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. They always loved my authenticity, my honesty and the judgement-free-zone that is my chair. Now they also love customizing their salon experience, whether it’s quiet and relaxing or loud music and active conversation. I love getting to run my salon the “right” way: there are always warm towels, I do an up-front beauty and budget consultation, and I structure my calendar to make it to all the milestone moments with my son.

When I was in high school my Papaw gave me great advice: do what you love and you will never work a day in your life. Since opening my salon, I don’t “go to work” anymore. Every aspect of All Riled Up is set up to support the best moment of every appointment, the moment when my guests look in the mirror and can’t take their eyes off of themselves and their new look. As I look toward the future, I know I’m modeling my grandfather’s advice for my son in the best possible way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have spent a large part of my life wondering if I had what it takes to do just about everything. I naturally tend to question myself. After opening my own salon, that will never happen again. I took a leap of faith and it landed so well, I often wonder how I can top it. It hasn’t always been easy, I still question myself sometimes; but every single time someone sees the final result and is “WOW’d”, it reignites every fiber of my being. I want people everywhere that might be thinking “no I can’t”, to shift their mindset to “yes, I can”. You truly can do anything you want to. You just need the right mindset, the “in spite of them” attitude. Take any negative feelings towards people who have told you “no”, and prove them wrong, and do it in a very big way. Look at your children, and want more. A legacy to leave them, a message they might not otherwise get, and SHOW them that they are capable. Telling them, sometimes, isn’t all they need, lead by example.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If anyone I love was visiting, I would take them on a hike to any of the waterfalls in Ga. They are mostly all hidden but definitely all beautiful. My favorite is Amicalola Falls because it is a workout and breathtakingly gorgeous at the top, but also along the way. An awesome reminder that the journey can be just as beautiful as the destination. For a good time and good food, The Vortex. There are so many little places in Ga to get some good grub but The Vortex offers the excitement and energy I enjoy, plus super yummy food and a good comedy show to make for a perfect night out. For something more relaxing, I would visit Breathe Yoga near Johns Creek and take my best friend Joey’s class. His mix of relaxation, inclusion, warmth and heart-pumping mindful yoga cannot be beaten. It is also not far from a few local breweries, if trying new, yummy craft beers and enjoying an environment where dogs are welcomed is your thing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The people who deserve the most credit is a very long list. To sum it up, my boyfriend Adam, who, without his support, I don’t know that I could have felt like I could do it. My papaw, who gave me the best advice at the height of decision-making leading into adulthood. My parents for two reasons, my dad wanted me to go to college, I wanted to go to hair school. In the moment, he felt like I wasn’t living up to my potential. Now, he couldn’t be more proud to be the father of a successful salon owner. My mom never doubted me. She knew my creative spirit would lead me to huge things, and here I am. Lastly, my friends, my tribe. They helped me move not once, but twice. They sacrificed weekends and plans to make sure I was sccessful. My whole world begins and ends with my tribe, for without them, I would have nothing.

Instagram: Instagram.com/hair.unicorn

Facebook: Riley Alcock-Beauty, Cosmetic, and Personal Care

Image Credits
Photos and/or makeup by: Riley Alcock